Barry Shapiro - Industrial Designer

My wife and I recently moved to Vermont from Pennsylvania, fulfilling a long-time dream. We've embraced the outdoors, enjoying activities like skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Our two Siberian huskies are also loving the cooler weather and snow.

I spent nearly 28 years as an industrial designer at Lasko Products, specializing in new product development. During my tenure, I earned about 68 design and utility patents and helped establish new product categories. My strengths include problem-solving and creating innovative solutions, particularly in cost-effective design. I focused on streamlining products by eliminating parts while improving their consumer appeal.

Lasko’s Product Development group handled all stages of design, including engineering, prototyping, and model making. As Manager of the Industrial Design group, I oversaw the prototyping process, utilizing SLS, MJF, and PolyJet printers.

Many of my designs became key products sold at major retailers and have generated billions in sales. Most homes in the U.S. likely have products I designed or worked on. Designing products in the heater and fan category that are quiet, safe, cost-effective, and high-performing—while maintaining consumer appeal—is a challenging but rewarding process.